Approved by Governors Curriculum Committee 21 October 2010
Amended April 2013

1    Introduction
It is an obvious fact of modern life that students will increasingly carry electronic devices to/from and in school.  It is also the case that a distinction between different types of device (e.g. USB stick vs MP3 player) is no longer clear.  The widespread ownership of mobile phones among young people requires that teachers, students, and parents take steps to ensure that mobile phones are used responsibly at school.  This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to ensure that potential issues involving mobile phones and other portable devices can be clearly identified and addressed, ensuring the benefits that these devices provide (such as increased safety) can continue to be enjoyed by our students, along with their appropriate use during school hours.  This Acceptable Use Policy for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices also applies to students during school trips and extra-curricular activities.

2    Liability
2.1    While the School does not prohibit students bringing in mobile phones, they are not encouraged to bring any expensive items into school, and must understand that the school accepts no liability for loss or damage to any personal equipment while on school premises or while travelling to and from school.

2.2    Students should mark their mobile phone clearly with their names.  To reduce the risk of theft during school hours, students who carry mobile phones are advised to keep them well concealed and not ‘advertise’ they have them.  Portable devices that are found in the School and whose owner cannot be identified should be handed in at the front office.

2.3    It is strongly advised that students use passwords/pin numbers to ensure that unauthorised phone calls cannot be made on their phones (e.g. by other students, or if stolen). Students must keep their password/pin numbers confidential.  Mobile phones and/or passwords may not be shared.

2.4    Students are encouraged to leave expensive items at home and only to bring equipment that is essential, therefore  reducing the likelihood of significant loss or damage.

3    Use in lessons
The use of any portable electronic device (whether for music, data storage, or communication) is entirely at the discretion of the teacher in charge.  Mobile phones must not disrupt lessons with ringtones or beeping.  In general they must be switched off and kept out of sight during lessons.  Mobile phones and other portable devices must never be used in lessons that are supervised by a Cover Supervisor unless the lesson plan specifically directs for this to happen.  Students who breach this understanding are likely to have their device confiscated.  Significant interruption to a lesson will lead to a more serious sanction.

4    Use around school
4.1    Students should minimise the use of electronic equipment around school.  It is expected therefore that phone calls will be kept to an absolute minimum, and students are advised to seek permission from a member of staff in the rare circumstance that a phone needs to be used.  Essential calls are to be made in the foyer area only, or the social area of the Darwin Centre.  While on school premises, students should use soundless features such as text messaging, answering services, call diversion and vibration alert to receive important calls.

4.2    Unless express permission is granted, mobile phones may not be used to make calls, send text messages, browse the internet, take photos or use any other application during school lessons and other educational activities.  Students should only use their mobile phones and other portable devices before or after school, or during break and lunch times. Music may only be listened to in the sixth form centre, where headphones are required.

4.3    At no time should students take photos or make recordings of any other member of the school community (staff or student), unless this has been specifically authorised by a member of staff.

4.4    Students are reminded that if they are unwell, home contact is undertaken by school staff, and must not occur before reporting to the medical room.  Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, the School office remains a vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure the student is reached quickly and assisted in any appropriate way.

5    Personal safety
Students are advised that their personal safety, on journeys to and from school, may be compromised by listening through headphones – especially when crossing roads, or cycling.  However the School is aware that parents give their children mobile phones to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety.  There is also increasing concern about students travelling alone on public transport or commuting long distances to school.  It is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives parents reassurance that they can contact their child if they need to speak to them urgently.

6    Personal Responsibility
The school considers that students should learn the responsible use of electronic equipment as part of their general education.  In particular, students are advised that the misuse of electronic media is a serious offence, and carries the same weight as equivalent incidents with printed matter.  So, for example, indecent electronic images are absolutely prohibited; as is the distribution, without consent, of images (whether defamatory or not) involving other members of the school community.